Rest In Peace, Talya

I was heartbroken to learn that Talya from Feeling Ostomistic passed away yesterday.

 

Like most online friends, I can’t remember how we first met online. It just happens. You gain awesome people through the internet and they become part of the fabric of your life.

 

A Facebook group I’m in does a secret santa. In 2017, I was lucky enough to be chosen to give her a secret santa gift.

 

Which, uh, then scared her in the middle of the night:

 


Though we totally forgot to take photos together, I got to meet Talya and Russ in person in August last year. We went for a walk around Southbank together when they were in Brisbane for an awards night.

 

 

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Just back to the hotel from a beautiful stroll around Southbank Parklands and loved it. We stroked through the rainforest boardwalk, by the river, by the beaches and water play areas, and through the beautiful vine covered walk way. . . Seriously a must to see if you’re visiting Brisbane, even Russ said he felt so at peace and happy there that he can understand why I really wanted to come back to see it and added it to my bucket list. . . I feel so happy right now, I am so grateful I could make it to Brisbane after hospital and pain of late and I feel just so happy to have this chance and experience . It’s hard to express just how happy I am but I’ve been smiling for hours and despite having pain I’m just glad to be here. . . A friend I’ve chatted online to for years came and met up with us and it was so nice chatting and walking. . . Despite something’s going wrong earlier and we’re out of my control, I was determined to not let it get the better of my mood or ruin this day for me. This time with Russ too is just so precious ❤️? sorry for all my happy posts today I’m just excited to share my excitement and adventures with you. . . Now to get ready and dolled up for tonight. So nervous and excited!!!

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And of course Talya rightfully won:

 


I love this photo of Talya and Russ.

 

 

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As 2018 is fairly coming to an end, I’m grateful that I have another chance at Xmas with my loved ones and to see the new year in with this spunk. This has been a pretty full on year with pain and health issues but the best part of my day is when this guy comes home and he makes me feel calm and safe. Despite the hardships like loosing two beautiful friends to cancer and missing them deeply there have been beautiful moments too. The year isn’t over and going to squeeze in some special time with this guy over Xmas Memory making and cherishing another Xmas I didn’t expect to see…. I’m grateful for him and all he does for me with no complaint. But I love this shot of us taken by @kaynellphotography I finally got around to ordering a canvas version tonight. I couldn’t have made it this far without this champ ❤️❤️??? #love #blessed

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If you have the means to do so, can you please help with the GoFundMe for Talya’s funeral? Whether you can spare money or share it around, all types of contributions are great.

 

Talya, you are gone so very soon. Too soon. I am so happy I had a chance to meet you. Rest in peace.

 

8 Replies to “Rest In Peace, Talya”

  1. It’s always tough when people leave this world early. I’m sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Talya but I can see she has made a big impact on the blogging world and has left a hole behind.

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      She massively helped a lot of young people with a stoma, being one of very few resources not aimed at seniors.

  2. I am so sorry for your loss, Ness.

    SSG xxx

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      Thanks 🙂

  3. What a beautiful tribute. Talya was an absolute legend and I’m so pleased our paths crossed. She will be greatly missed x

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      I’m so glad I got to meet her in person.

  4. You have been a quietly caring and amazing friend to Talya and I did not know just how much. I am so sorry about her recent death. It might have been the peaceful way to go that she hoped but it sure has left her family and friends reeling. Russ especially.

    Thanks for sharing on #lifethisweek and next week’s optional prompt is 20/51 Share Your Snaps #4 20/5/19 so do join in! Denyse

    1. Vanessa Smith says: Reply

      We mostly chatted in private messages, so it probably wasn’t too apparent. I hope Russ is still going ok as he navigates returning to work.

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